KU law school ranked 2nd in ‘bang for buck’

Two national law magazines have picked Kansas University’s law school in a tie for second in the nation for public programs that offer “the best bang for the buck.”

The rankings, by National Jurist and PreLaw Insider, tied KU with the University of Akron and the University of Tennessee, behind only the University of Alabama.

The rankings are based on several factors, including tuition rate, percentage of students who pass the bar exam and faculty-student ratio.

“KU law graduates can compete with anyone, anywhere in the country, and they do not leave law school with large debts,” said Steve McAllister, law school dean.

Crime

Rape defendant seeks competency hearing

The last of four defendants to stand trial in the rape of a 13-year-old girl appeared in court Thursday, as his attorney asked Douglas County District Judge Paula Martin to schedule another hearing on whether the man is competent to stand trial.

The 28-year-old was found incompetent in September, then found competent last month after being sent to Larned State Hospital for an evaluation.

Martin scheduled the hearing for March 10.

Last month, the judge ignited controversy by granting reduced sentences of probation and jail time for two 19-year-old men convicted in the case. Martin’s decision was based in part on her finding that the girl was an “active participant” in the events and that the harm she suffered was less than what some rape victims suffer.

A juvenile convicted in the case received 30 months in a juvenile-corrections facility.

Courts

Bill would raise penalties for scams on seniors

A bill that would increase penalties for scams and financial abuse against senior citizens is working its way through the House.

House Bill 2693, co-sponsored by Rep. Paul Davis, D-Lawrence, and supported by Douglas County Dist. Atty. Christine Kenney, would make it a felony to exploit senior citizens for amounts of money above $500. The bill received a hearing Thursday before the House Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice.

Under existing state law, prosecutors can file only misdemeanor charges for financial crimes against dependent adults, even if the amount taken is in the hundreds of thousands.

Ordinary thefts over $500 are considered felonies in Kansas, but prosecutors can’t file felony theft charges in cases involving dependent adults because they must charge the most specific statute that fits the crime, Kenney said.

History

Group to discuss growth of Clinton Lake Museum

The Clinton Lake Historical Society will discuss plans to expand the Clinton Lake Museum during its annual meeting at 6 p.m. Saturday at Clinton Township Hall.

Fund-raising consultant Douglas Burger will introduce his plan to raise $330,000 for the expansion of the museum, and architect Mark Stogsdill will unveil his plans for the barnlike addition.

Hand-quilted items by Clinton Quilting Society members will be offered in a silent auction.

Jonathan Earle, assistant professor of history at Kansas University, will talk about how Bleeding Kansas galvanized the nation in 1855-1856.

Those interested in attending are asked to bring a covered dish and table service for a potluck dinner. Coffee, tea and rolls will be provided.